Karen hiking along the Traveler Range in Baxter State Park, Maine.
NORWICH, VT — Karen Bourque joins VCE as our new Director of Communications. Karen comes to VCE with a diverse background in science, professional writing, and grants management combined with a contagious enthusiasm for learning about the natural world. Her charge is to advance VCE’s mission and conservation outcomes by implementing a comprehensive communications strategy and enhancing formal working relationships between VCE scientists and key conservation partners. In this capacity, Karen will provide communications support to VCE biologists and assist with our fundraising efforts and donor relations. Karen’s efforts will allow VCE’s scientists to focus on research, community engagement, and other initiatives.
“VCE’s biologists are involved in an impressive number of projects that produce crucial data used by conservationists across the Americas,” said Bourque. “Add to that their work with citizen scientists and public outreach, and there is little time left to disseminate their scientific results to a wider audience. This is where I fit in.”
Karen holds a BA in astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College and a Master of Administration and Professional Writing from Northern Arizona University. She came to VCE from Middlebury College, where she served as Assistant Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs. Prior to that, she worked as a freelance technical writer, had a brief stint in the renewable energy field, and served as a research associate in the Radio Astronomy Department at the University of Massachusetts. Over the years, Karen’s volunteer work has centered on environmental and conservation organizations.
“Karen is an outstanding addition to the VCE family. Her contributions will be key to achieving the goals set forth in our new strategic plan. Those who have worked with Karen laud her infectious can-do attitude and dedication to her work. We’re delighted to add her to our team,” says VCE Associate Director Susan Hindinger.
Originally from Massachusetts, Karen and her partner Robert now live in Vermont with their two dogs and two cats. When not in the office, you’ll find her outside—Karen is an avid hiker, backpacker, paddler, skier, and winter camper who also dabbles in star gazing, mountain biking, and skijoring.
